Introduction to Guatemalan Coffee Grading System - Rich and Flavorful Guatemalan Coffee

Guatemala Coffee Classification System Introduction

This grading standard is primarily because coffee produced at high altitudes generally has higher quality than coffee produced at low altitudes. Due to the lower temperatures at higher elevations, coffee grows slowly, which facilitates the accumulation of desirable compounds. Additionally, high-maturity green beans expand well during roasting, making them easier to roast and ensuring more stable quality.

"SHB" stands for "Strictly Hard Bean," which is also synonymous with Strictly High Grown (SHG) coffee. Those familiar with coffee know that high-altitude green beans, under the same roasting conditions, perform significantly better in terms of aroma persistence and flavor complexity compared to low-altitude beans. Therefore, altitude-based grading is a typical classification method in coffee bean grading standards across various growing regions. In Central American coffee-growing areas, coffee is mostly graded by altitude. In Guatemala, coffee beans grown at altitudes above 1400 meters are called "SHB."

These high-altitude growing regions预示着 rich and full-bodied flavors. It seems this coffee is most suitable for coffee enthusiasts who love rich aromas. Today, Antigua is a famous coffee-producing region, characterized by rich volcanic soil, low humidity, strong sunlight, and cool evening breezes. The fertile soil and suitable temperatures here provide an excellent growing environment for coffee beans.

In Guatemala, three spectacular active volcanoes—Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego—form a beautiful valley landscape. The active Fuego volcano occasionally adds mysterious dust to the atmosphere.

Approximately every 30 years, the area near Antigua suffers from volcanic eruptions, which provides additional nitrogen to the already fertile land. Moreover, abundant rainfall and sunlight make this place even more suitable for coffee cultivation.

Currently, coffee-producing countries that adopt this grading standard include Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and other Central and South American countries. Taking Guatemala as an example, the highest grade of coffee is called SHB (abbreviated from Strictly Hard Bean), grown at altitudes above 1350m. This is followed by HB (Hard Bean), grown at altitudes between 1200m-1400m, SH (Semi Hard Bean), EPW (Extra Prime Washed), PW (Prime Washed), EGW (Extra Good Washed), and GW (Good Washed), with respective growing altitudes of 1200m, around 1000m, around 800m, 600m-800m, and below 600m.

Key Point: Although Guatemalan coffee doesn't have extremely high body, it combines perfectly with pleasant and moderate acidity.

About FrontStreet Coffee

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a specialty coffee research center dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation because we want more friends to fall in love with coffee. Every month, FrontStreet Coffee hosts three discounted coffee events because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price—this has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473